6 Kick-Ass Tips From Top Entrepreneurs

Looking for road-tested, no-BS business advice from entrepreneurs who know what they’re doing? The sort of inside tips you’ll never find in a textbook?

You can download a free e-book with 100 energizing tips from Clarity.fm, an online advice network developed by New Brunswick entrepreneur Dan Martell.

“We put out a call to entrepreneurs around the globe, asking you for your best startup advice, and we have been truly overwhelmed by the response,” writes Martell in his introduction to the new publication, Get More Clarity: Straight-Up Startup Advice from Experienced Entrepreneurs. “The volume, diversity, and quality of the submissions that we received from founders has proven, once again, that startup founders are some of the most creative, passionate, and helpful people you can find.”

Here are six examples of the unique advice you’ll find between its electronic covers:

“Push out with your premature version of your product or service as early as possible. Customers see your product or service from a totally different angle, and are keen to provide you with feedback.” Michael Zino, founder and CEO, YAYME.COM, Vancouver

“Don’t fall into the trap of confusing activity for achievement. Pause during your day and ask: ‘Is this helping us build shit or sell shit?’ If the answer is no, then you’re working on the wrong things.” Christian MacLean, co-founder, BeauCoo, Calgary

“Know you will make mistakes. The difference between an entrepreneur and an average person is that entrepreneurs call these ‘learning curves.’ It’s about adopting the mindset of perpetual learning, which allows your mistakes to motivate you to improve rather than discourage you.” Monica Rivera, co-founder, Viva La Ink, Los Angeles

“Don’t worry about people stealing your design work. Worry about the day they stop.” Jeffrey Zeldman, founder, Happy Cog Studios, New York

“Don’t be a martyr. If you were to get hit by a bus, make sure your company can survive beyond you. If it can’t, then you’ve failed as a leader […] Find team members who are smarter than you, and have strengths that compensate for your weaknesses and complement your strengths. Then delegate and give them autonomy. It will only make your company stronger.” Caitlin MacGregor, CEO, Cream.hr, Toronto

If you think you have what it takes, you can also submit your own best advice for future updates. Make it pithy, upbeat and original.